Mouse Prevention February 09, 2021, 01:27:41 pm With Spring (yah!) coming upon us soon, I’m looking to try and “mouse proof” the LD. I know there are various deterrents such as Fresh Cab, LED light strings, etc. but are there any measures that can be taken that act as a physical barrier? I’m thinking of things such as steel wool in penetrations that physically blocks rodents. What have you done to prevent critters? 🐀🐀🐀
Re: Mouse Prevention Reply #1 – February 09, 2021, 01:37:52 pm Greg, Mice can fit thru extremely small holes - off the top of my head I am remembering something like the size of a dime (but maybe it was a little bigger, but think so small you think no way could even a small mouse get in that spot). Yes, you could put screens/steel wool everywhere but likely you would miss something and they might just chew another hole for themselves. Plus you need to protect things like any wiring/plumbing that is outside of the coach "box" as rodents love modern wiring & pex.Jane
Re: Mouse Prevention Reply #2 – February 09, 2021, 01:41:30 pm The biggest problem is damage in the engine compartment, which is unsealable. Prevention with deterrent is the only option there.Steve
Re: Mouse Prevention Reply #3 – February 09, 2021, 01:47:17 pm Quote from: Steve - February 09, 2021, 01:41:30 pmThe biggest problem is damage in the engine compartment, which is unsealable. Prevention with deterrent is the only option there.SteveTry one's best, total sealing for mice is impossible. They will find a way in. Set some traps in the LD when not in use. Verification aside, I've kept bags of moth balls in the engine compartment for years and never had rodent damage.Chris
Re: Mouse Prevention Reply #4 – February 09, 2021, 01:56:10 pm Spring trap inside Bait station underneathKeep all potential nesting material, napkins..paper towels...sheets..out of compartments and other easy to find locations. Try not to let long periods of time pass without inspection. Rich
Re: Mouse Prevention Reply #5 – February 09, 2021, 03:51:59 pm I've found that [for me] that using RatZapper battery operated traps WORK. I have two inside the stored rig, [one at each end of 31fter.] and one in the engine compartment. I had used flashing lites, irish spring, frequencing sounds, etc. but when I put the traps in, I caught five mice and one rat within a few weeks, about one a week. It's now been three months, and no further rodents, and no sign of any infestation. They work! 2 Likes
Re: Mouse Prevention Reply #6 – February 09, 2021, 05:27:29 pm Here is a suggestion that will hopefully save someone a lot of grief. I have had a couple of air filters chewed up by rodents; I am not sure if it was mice or chipmunks. I think they were attracted either to the adhesive in the filter or the insects in the filter. Find a way to block the air cleaner assembly.I take several steps when our LD is parked. Here is one I think that is the most important. I remove the snorkel part of the air cleaner where it inserts in the shroud behind the radiator and use old panty hose to block the snorkel. I also put a small sack of moth balls behind that. And most importantly, I put a reminder about this in front of the speedometer so I don't forget to remove it before starting the engine.Unfortunately, I learned this lesson the hard way. My mechanic has suggested finding a rubber ball that would fit in that snorkel to block rodents from reaching the airfilter. He has seen the problem of chewed air filters often in Rvs.I have tried " Cabin Fresh" with mixed results. Moth balls seem to deter the critters in my area the best.Steve K
Re: Mouse Prevention Reply #7 – February 09, 2021, 07:14:19 pm Physically blocking openings is a good idea, but DO NOT use steel wool! if it gets damp, It can spontaneously combust, and there goes your rig. Use bronze or copper "mouse mesh." 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Mouse Prevention Reply #8 – February 09, 2021, 07:16:20 pm Don’t you own a cat?Put it to work.Newer LDs have few ways to enter the interior.As Steve pointed out, the engine compartment is the main problem, under the intake manifold is roomy enough for a large family of mice and rats. Starting the engine frequently and letting it warm up will clear existing nests.Now have a talk with the cat about carrying it’s weight.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Mouse Prevention Reply #9 – February 09, 2021, 07:49:25 pm Quote from: Larry W - February 09, 2021, 07:16:20 pmDon’t you own a cat?Put it to work.Newer LDs have few ways to enter the interior.As Steve pointed out, the engine compartment is the main problem, under the intake manifold is roomy enough for a large family of mice and rats. Starting the engine frequently and letting it warm up will clear existing nests.Now have a talk with the cat about carrying it’s weight.Good point, Larry. I crawled underneath the LD today and everything looked pretty tight in the MB. I do remember a mouse nesting and having babies in the oven of our '85 TK though; not a pleasant sight.Our little male is an excellent mouse catcher but we keep him indoors due to the critters that live here. He loves to catch mice in the garage and bring them back into the house to show us. Maybe I can make a full-time apartment for him in the LD?I think I'm going to try the mothballs for the engine compartment, as Steve K. suggested. Starting it up occasionally is a good idea. Thanks! 2 Likes
Re: Mouse Prevention Reply #10 – February 09, 2021, 07:51:27 pm Quote from: Andy Baird - February 09, 2021, 07:14:19 pmPhysically blocking openings is a good idea, but DO NOT use steel wool! if it gets damp, It can spontaneously combust, and there goes your rig. Use bronze or copper "mouse mesh."Thanks for the tip, Andy! 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Mouse Prevention Reply #11 – February 09, 2021, 10:18:14 pm "Find a way to block the air cleaner assembly."I had a similar experience. Trouble was after the rodent shredded the air filter, unbeknown to me, the first time I tried to start the engine it sucked the paper particles through the MAP and into the intake manifold. I had to get my mechanic to do a house call to remedy that one. Then I got a piece ¼" hardware cloth, about six inches square, formed a pocket and stuffed it into the air horn. Anchored it in place with silicon rubber. Haven't had that problem since.
Re: Mouse Prevention Reply #12 – February 09, 2021, 10:29:32 pm Steel wool and batteries (9volt, especially) are a BAD combination! Learned that one by accident. I've used fresh cab in the engine compartment of my Pick up and my 2005 LD with pretty decent luck!
Re: Mouse Prevention Reply #13 – February 09, 2021, 10:33:24 pm "Steel wool and batteries (9volt, especially) are a BAD combination!"Any Survivalist will tell you that combination is an excellent way to start a fire when other methods fail.
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